Why This Vogue.com Writer Wears Only Faux Fur

My love affair with faux-fur coats began in an East Village college dorm. The coat was a plush leopard print with a label that read “impermeable” and the texture of one of those synthetic fuzzy pillows that were once popular at Bed Bath & Beyond. It was a straight cut—no frills or flounces—and managed to survive for eight winters of snowstorms, long walks, and late-night parties. It even lasted through a raw-egg fight with some lacrosse players in Montreal, one of those coming-of-age experiences that I was physically present for, but at this point seems like it happened to somebody other than me. Today, it’s a little worse for the wear, all matted shoulders and torn elbows, but it still lives in my closet alongside several other faux furs, some patterned, some monochrome, all purchased thanks to my original affection for this indestructible leopard.

At first, it was a marriage of stylistic ease—a fluffy coat can make even the laziest outfit seem intentional—and practicality. Faux coats, for the most part, can be sourced at high-street stores for prices that a college freshman can meet. But in the years since, shuffling through racks and racks of new and vintage options, I’ve realized that my love for a faux-fur coat is more than just a fashion choice, it’s a moral one: After many winters spent in a warm—thank you, synthetic fibers!—on-trend number that has harmed no animals, why go back?

It seems I’m not alone in my beliefs either. More and more, women are turning to faux for a variety of reasons. Sure, some are animal lovers, but others are being presented with new options that rival the chicness and luxury of real furs. The most covetable of this bunch come from Stella McCartney, who for Fall 2015 launched a first collection of “fur-free furs.” McCartney has long been among the staunchest anti-fur brands, though the decision to debut the category came largely from customer feedback. “We’ve always looked into fake furs, but it never felt like the right message for us to promote the use of fur," McCartney told Vogue.com. "I heard from women and they wanted the fake-fur alternative, so for Fall 2015, we finally saw the right fabrics we wanted to work with, that looked great and were consistent with our philosophy on cruelty-free luxury fashion and thought, Why not do a great fake fur so real furs are no longer needed?” McCartney's versions are oversize, patchworked, and incredibly warm and could feasibly make a convert out of Cruella De Vil herself.

It’s hard to advocate for fauxs and not come off as a vegetarian on a high, free-roaming horse, but designers like Stella McCartney sweeten the pitch. So to those looking to update their winter-coat wardrobe: Try sliding your arms into a faux coat for once. That’s a change I’d stand behind.